Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A Detailed Look
Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion based on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia themed booster packs, features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards). The base card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155.
Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards
52 Images
The expansion introduces 10 new ex Pokémon (Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky), covering all types except Dragon, with Darkness receiving two. A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (20 HP damage to opponent on damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).
Gameplay Changes
Space Time Smackdown adds new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The multiplayer meta is expected to shift due to powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage, 20 damage to benched Pokémon). Dialga ex significantly boosts Steel-type decks.
Missions and Rewards
New missions offer rewards such as Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions focus on 1-star and 2-star cards, with a final mission rewarding the full-art Cynthia card and 1-star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably, Trading Tokens are not awarded, though a 500-token gift was given to celebrate the trading feature. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
The Trading Controversy
The recent trading update remains controversial due to the required Trade Tokens for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher. Obtaining these tokens necessitates selling cards, creating a system deemed inefficient and frustrating by many players. The cost of trading high-rarity cards is significantly higher than the value received from selling them, leading to widespread criticism.
